Mrs. Baxter was born Viola Margaret Schmidt on April 21, 1924, in Pfeifer, KS, to George and Catherine (Briet) Schmidt.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Milton, who died in 2006; her parents; four brothers; and four sisters.

She is survived by one son Milton L. of McCook, NE; three daughters, Kathy Saum of Marquette, NE, Debra Baxter of Ramah, NM, and Susan Baxter of Nickerson, KS; two brothers, Kenneth Schmidt of Salina, KS, and Leroy Schmidt of Salina, KS; two sisters, Sister Lila Marie Schmidt of Concordia, KS, and Patricia Perry of Salina, KS; six grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

A Mass of Christian burial will be at noon Wednesday at Sacred Heart Cathedral, Father Allen Scheer officiating. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery, Salina. A vigil/rosary service will be at 5:30 p.m. today at Ryan Mortuary, 137 North Eighth St., Salina. Visitation will be 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. today at the mortuary. Memorials are suggested to Sacred Heart Cathedral or for Masses.